President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his administration is re-positioning the maritime sector as the country’s main economic driver and agent of diversification.
The president made the declaration in Abuja at the launch of a book “Harnessing Nigeria’s Maritime Assets – Past, Present and Future”, authored by the executive director, Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Bashir Yusuf Jamoh.
Represented by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Buhari said that the Nigerian maritime sector boasts of a rich and barely untapped assets, pointing out that with reforms and proper investments in the sector, the country will grow exponentially.
He also explained that the reforms have already started with NIMASA, which has been so far transformed from a contract-awarding agency to a true industry regulator it was created to be.
The President further stressed that many shippers and stakeholders have been angling for the disbursement of the cabotage funds, saying the money was being kept and will be appropriately spent at the right time, for the purpose it was created for.
Also speaking at the function, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga, who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun, described Jamoh’s 221-page book as a product of well-researched work. She added that the book will further develop the economy of Nigeria by further elucidating ways of diversifying the economy.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai said the book was rich and encapsulated ways of taking the sector to the next level.
Buratai said the Nigerian Army has been protecting the maritime assets of Nigeria for several decades and will continue to do so.
Source: Today Ng
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